History Made! Watkins is the first women’s college athlete to sign such a deal. USC standout JuJu Watkins has secured a major multiyear partnership with Fanatics, including its collectibles division. The 2025 Big Ten Player of the Year and two-time unanimous All-American will have exclusive trading card rights with the company. This deal further solidifies Watkins’ growing brand as one of college basketball’s biggest stars.

The agreement includes signed Fanatics-branded memorabilia such as photos, basketballs, and autographed cards, along with game-worn memorabilia inserted into trading cards. Watkins, who has previously appeared in Bowman products, will now be featured in a USC Trojans uniform in the 2025 Bowman University Chrome Basketball set, scheduled for release on April 3, 2025. Notably, this collection also includes the first Bowman card of Duke star Cooper Flagg, who inked a similar deal with Fanatics in January, and Watkins’ agreement is set to extend into her professional career despite Panini holding the exclusive WNBA trading card license.

Panini’s trading card deal with the NBA Players Association expires this year, clearing the way for Fanatics to take over NBA cards fully in October. Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan recently confirmed on “The Geoff Wilson Show” that the company’s signature MLB debut patch concept will expand to NBA and NFL cards once their rights transition in 2026. However, it remains unclear whether WNBA rights will transfer alongside the NBA, as Fanatics has not responded to inquiries, and the company remains locked in legal battles with Panini over league and union licenses.